Caesar Salad with Pizza Croutons

Name: Caesar Salad with Pizza Croutons
Prep time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H10M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H50M0.000S
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 pound fresh pizza dough; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan; Juice of 1/2 lemon; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 large egg yolk*; 2 oil-packed anchovies, finely chopped; 1 small clove garlic, finely grated; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 6 large sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt; Vegetable oil, for frying; All-purpose flour, for dusting; 3 romaine hearts, cut into pieces 1/2 inch thick and 1 inch wide (about 8 cups)

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The pizza-flavored fried croutons are the superstar of this mash-up salad.

Level: Intermediate
Total: 50 min

Prep: 10 min
Inactive: 30 min
Cook: 10 min

Yield: 4 servings

Level: Intermediate
Total: 50 min

Prep: 10 min
Inactive: 30 min
Cook: 10 min

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 pound fresh pizza dough

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 large egg yolk*

2 oil-packed anchovies, finely chopped

1 small clove garlic, finely grated

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

6 large sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Vegetable oil, for frying

All-purpose flour, for dusting

3 romaine hearts, cut into pieces 1/2 inch thick and 1 inch wide (about 8 cups)

Directions

Allow the pizza dough to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Combine 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, lemon juice, vinegar, egg yolk, anchovies, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until a smooth vinaigrette forms. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Put the sun-dried tomatoes on a small plate and microwave, in 30-second increments, until they begin to harden but are still red and slightly pliable, 1 to 2 minutes (they may begin to brown and taste bitter if cooked too long). Let them sit until cool and completely hardened, about 2 minutes. Break up the tomatoes into small pieces, transfer them to a spice grinder and process to a powder (discard any pieces that won't grind). Add the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, garlic salt and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Process until just finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl.
Fill a medium pot with 1 inch of vegetable oil and bring to 350 degrees F over medium heat. Evenly divide the pizza dough into 4 balls. On a lightly-floured surface, roll and stretch each ball into a 4 1/2-inch round and cut into 4 wedges. In batches, carefully drop wedges into the oil and fry until puffed and golden, turning as needed, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the fried wedges to the bowl of pizza-spice mix and toss to coat. Remove and set aside. Fry and coat the remaining dough.
Put the romaine in another large bowl, add the Caesar dressing, toss to coat and season with salt and pepper. Divide among four serving plates. Top each with pizza croutons and sprinkle with any remaining pizza spice mix.

Consumption of raw or undercooked eggs, shellfish and meat may increase the risk of foodborne illness.